Hoyer Statement on Dismal Jobs Report

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer released the following statement today after the Department of Labor reported that the U.S. economy lost 524,000 jobs in December 2008, and the unemployment rate hit a 15-year high of 7.2 percent:

“Today’s dismal news that the economy lost 524,000 jobs last month makes it absolutely clear: the economic policies of President Bush have been a complete failure. Since this recession began in December 2007, the economy has shed 2.6 million jobs, and today’s unemployment rate is the highest since January 1993. Behind those numbers are millions of families who are struggling to put food on the table, keep their health insurance, and stay in their homes.

“President Bush has plunged our economy into such a deep hole that it will take years to repair the damage. Democrats are already working on legislation to help families working to make ends meet, including a recovery package to create jobs and spur long-term economic growth. Next week, we expect to bring to the Floor legislation that ensures low-income children have access to health care, a measure that was vetoed twice by President Bush. As the severity of this recession is made clear by today’s report, I hope Republicans will work with us as we take action to restart our economy.”